What's negotiable on your lease?

Getting ready to take the plunge as a renter? You don’t have to accept the terms as they’re presented. Learn to negotiate with style and know-how.

What is negotiable?

• Do not rely on verbal agreements. Strive to have all waivers and amendments to the lease presented in writing and signed by a representative at the leasing office. A few things that you can negotiate include:
• Rate: Depending on the condition of the rental market in your area, you may be able to negotiate your rent rate. These savings can come in the form of long and short term discounts. In the long term, lowering your monthly payments may be the way to go.
  
  Short term bargains may include a month (or more) of free rent or waived membership fees for amenities. In any case, be sure to bring in price quotes from comparable properties nearby to increase your bargaining power.
• Fees and terms: Communities that do not permit pets will make an exception for companion pets such as seeing eye dogs; in most cases, properties are legally obligated to comply. Research state and federal laws if you think these regulations may apply.
  
  Even if the pet does not enhance your lifestyle, you may be able to have pet fees waived as part of your housing negotiations. This may prove to be truest in single-family rentals. It may be easier to have the fee waived than to have your rent rate lowered.
  
  The duration of your lease can vary. Common terms are six months and one year. Agreeing to a longer commitment may result in a reduced rate. If you need to remain flexible, you may request shorter term lease.
  
  Various fees, such as those that pertain to amenities, may also be negotiable. Again, it is helpful to bring offers by comparable properties to show what they have to offer for the price.

What Isn't Negotiable



• Taxes: State and federal law supersedes any agreement between you and your landlord. It could be fruitless to attempt to have the landlord give you a break on taxes. Those that claim they will give you a break are probably lying. The costs for taxes are usually built into a price agreement. Few will absorb the costs themselves.
• Insurance: If the property mandates renters insurance, it isn’t likely to bend. A gap in protection could have adverse effects on business and other tenants. In the grand scheme of things, you aren’t worth the risk.


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